Providing hope when you need it most

Monday

Feb 11, 2013 at 12:01 AM

I know who to call when I need help. In an emergency, I dial 911. When I need the number to my favorite Greek restaurant, I try 411. When I'm navigating the challenges in life that fall somewhere in between, I can call United Way's 211.

Mark MorseBe Our Guest

I know who to call when I need help. In an emergency, I dial 911. When I need the number to my favorite Greek restaurant, I try 411. When I'm navigating the challenges in life that fall somewhere in between, I can call United Way's 211.211 is help when you need it most. Today (2-11) we celebrate National 211 Awareness Day and the vital role this service plays in our community. Across the nation, 90 percent of residents have access to 211, which fields more than 16 million calls each year.211 is United Way's free community service information line that links people to health and human services in our community 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The service is confidential, and calls are answered by professional referral specialists who assist callers in prioritizing their needs and exploring their options of services that can help.Anyone can call 211, regardless of the language he or she speaks, and receive information on thousands of services, including food, housing, utilities, child-care services, financial education, health care, job training, counseling, mental health and substance abuse, senior services, volunteer opportunities and many others.Henderson County residents are among the more than 87 percent of North Carolinians who live in the 211 service area. Calls to 211 from Henderson County land lines and cellphones are answered locally by referral specialists who know about services available in our community. Last year alone, there were almost 3,400 calls placed to 211 from Henderson County residents. These calls were for help with needs such as utility service payment assistance, housing expense assistance, food pantries, homeless shelters, legal aid, health care and transportation.Another important thing to know is that 211 can also be accessed online through its comprehensive database at www.nc211.org. Last year, this website was visited by almost 2,000 people in Henderson County.211 was certainly important to Brent. Although Brent enjoys his work in retail, he doesn't make a lot of money and had to discontinue his insurance to afford his rent and utilities. Following back surgery, Brent made a full recovery physically, but financially he fell behind in his payments.When he called 211, he only needed about $100 more to be able to pay his rent without damaging his credit. Mindy, a referral specialist, connected him to a resource that helped him pay his rent. He was so happy when he wrote Mindy an email to let her know everything worked out and to thank her for her support.That's the moment when “help when you need it most” becomes “hope when you need it most.” I'm glad 211 is there for Brent. And for me. And for you.